Grief carves a space in our hearts that only love can fill.

On this episode of Groove with Portia, I sit down with three extraordinary mothers—Dawn Huie, Valarie Allyn, and Anastasia Brown (hosts of There Are No Words, but we have a few Podcast)—who open up about losing their sons to suicide and addiction. Each story carries the raw truth of what it means to live in the aftermath of unimaginable pain—and the strength it takes to keep going.

Dawn shares about Ryan’s sudden mental health decline and death by suicide. Valarie remembers her son Z, an artistic soul who struggled with heroin addiction. Anastasia reflects on her son Wilson, a passionate advocate who helped build detox centers before losing his own battle with mental health.

We talk openly about the stigma that surrounds these kinds of deaths, especially for boys. We discuss spiritual signs, finding connection beyond the physical, and how photos, memories, and even dogs help us feel our loved ones near. Valarie speaks about being selfless in grief—allowing others to grieve in their way—and Dawn shares how grief transforms us, like sand becoming a pearl.

This episode is a sacred space for storytelling, remembering, and reflecting. Whether you’ve experienced child loss or are simply walking alongside someone who has, this conversation will expand your heart.

Connect with Anastasia, Valerie and Dawn: https://www.therearenowordsbutwehaveafew.com/